TTwo years ago, Coffee with a Cop was started by Canton PD Chief Mark Mitchell. It’s a multi-agency effort that includes the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Marshals Office, Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, Woodstock, Holly Springs and Ball Ground Police Departments, Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, the Cherokee County Solicitor’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol.
Chief Mitchell stated, “All law enforcement agencies in Cherokee County strongly feel that community events such as this are essential to us connecting with the citizens we serve. We believe this program will help to build a foundation of trust with each segment of our communities and will grow a very positive culture between our departments and the County. We want to thank our citizens for their feedback, which assists us in providing better services and ‘humanizes the badge’ for both adults and children. Our hope is our citizens will see we truly care about them, their quality of life, their safety and what goes on in our communities.”
Assistant Chief Merrifield stated, “I like to talk to people in the community outside of a professional setting, and I like to have the kids come and play. It’s a time that the kids can meet the officers and learn that they are helpful.” Tiffany Goodson brought her two small children to meet the officers, and both were sporting sticker badges.
Hasty Elementary School Principal Rodney Larrotta experienced his first Coffee with a Cop and was pleased and excited to be there. He summed it up by saying, “Law enforcement officers are social architects; they create a safe environment for everyone to thrive and be productive citizens.”
“The community outreach events are important to allow the public to ask questions and for the children to see that the officers are there to help and protect them,” said Tiana Welch. “These events are important in building a community,” said Allison Reid; “it’s a way to focus on community concerns and show that the officers genuinely care.” Tiana and Allison are current interns at the Canton PD.
Look for another community program to begin soon; you’ll see officers at school bus stops around town, talking with the students about bullying and just letting them know that they are there to help. Canton PD is proactive in its community involvement; it takes more time and commitment from the staff, but the results are priceless when the community is abuzz with how much they enjoy interacting with the officers along with the smiles on the children’s faces.
to your business!